Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of Perfect Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of creamy pasta and sweet, spicy corn. This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. With its colorful ingredients and lively taste, it’s bound to impress your guests. The combination of sautéed corn, zesty lime dressing, and fresh cilantro makes this salad not only a feast for the eyes but also a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple at your table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or penne
- 3 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or a plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil water in a pot with salt. Add elbow macaroni or penne and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the corn: In a pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add sweet corn and jalapeño (if using), sautéing until tender and slightly caramelized (about 5–7 minutes).
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed corn with cooked pasta, cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg